MANITO'S 
MOCCASIN 



-BY- 



LELAND W. KINGMAN AND READ I. RIPLEY 




PRICE 35 CENTS 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio ?^ Denver, Colo. 



NEW HIGH SCHOOL PLAYS 



ALONG CAME BUD— 

for 4 boys and 2 girls. Bud, quite inno- 
cently causes a lot of trouble, but all ends 
well when Bud comes along. Price 25c. 

CLARENCE DECIDES— 

is for 4 males and 6 females, and is a 
very clever comedy. All kinds of funny 
situations are introduced. Price 35c. 

THE CAPTAIN'S PREDICAMENT— 

a rattling good farce for 3 males and 4 
females. Lots of fun. Price, 35 cents. 

LOST— THE WHOLE CROWD AND 
THE PARROT— 

a farce in which many amusing complica- 
tions aiise. Plays whole evening. 8 
males and 5 females. Price, 35 cents. 

POLLY LOU— 

a new Gladys Bridgham farce in which 
there is plenty of action and an interest- 
ing plot. 6 males, 8 females. Price 35c. 

THE VISITING SMITHS— 

a short sketch telling how the Smith's 
Corner Smiths descended on the New 
York Smiths for a visit. Price, 25 cents. 

THE CONVERSION OF PA. 
THE TRIALS OF EZRA— 

two new Agricultural Extension plays. 
Each, 25 cents. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio, also 944 S. Logan, Denver, Colo. 



Manito's Moccasin 



A Play for Boy Scouts 



WRITTEN BY 

Leland W. Kingman, Scout Commissioner 

— AND — 

Read I. Ripley, Scout Executive 



Copyright 1920, Eldridge Entertainment House 



PUBLISHED BY 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKLIN, OHIO DENVER, COLO. 






SYNOPSIS "\j^s 



Prologue — A Hunter's Camp at Night in a Northern 

Forest. 
Act I. — Scene 1. Near Farm house. Ten Miles South. 
Next Morning. 
Scene 2. Scout Camp. Evening of Same Day. 
On Site of Hunter's Camp in Pro- 
logue. 
(Curtain drops during this scene to show 
lapse of four hours.) 
Act II. — Scene 1. Scout Camp. Next Morning. 

Scene 2. Same. After Supper, that night. 
Scene 3. On Top of Ledge above Manito's 
Moccasin. 
Epilogue — Hunter's Camp. Same Site as Camp in Pro- 
logue. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 



Andrew Wayne — A Trapper of the Northwest. 

Mr. Moffat — Scoutmaster 

Will Woodman — Senior Patrol Leader 

Tom Sawyer — Assistant Patrol Leader 

Stout Pfuffer— Bugler 

Jim Wigglesworth — Honor Signaling Scout 

Scratch Flint — Honor Firelighting Scout 

Jack Splint — Leader of First Aid Squad 

Emery Weal, Scout ^ 

Feather Waite, Scout I Members of 

Bill Bones, Scout (Beaver Patrol 

Huck Finn, Scout J 

Percy Justin — Tenderfoot Scout 

Ben Gunne — Just Farmer 

Indian Jim — Indian Halfbreed Guide 

Tenderfoot Scouts. Other Members of Troop. 



IEC30I920 ©Cl.0 56889 



STAGE PROPERTIES 



Loon Cry — Victor Bird record, by Kellogg. A little 
practice and two chalk marks on record at points begin- 
ning and ending call is all that is required in the way of 
preparation 

Ledge Above Manito's Moccasin — A raised plat- 
form placed at the extreme right wing of stage. Plat- 
form to be constructed so that one end will stand some 
two or three feet from floor and slope so that other end 
will touch floor. Cover with canvas or cloth and paint 
to resemble rock. Camouflage side toward audience with 
grass, rocks, pine, etc. 

Sound of Rushing Water— Cheese box, sand, some- 
one to turn crank. Take cover off a cheese box, nail 6 or 
8 small shelves on inside of box, throw in a quart or two 
of sand, nail cover on ; bore hole through each side of 
box, in center, so that a round stick placed through it 
will fit tightly and when twisted will turn box around. Put 
a handle on one end of stick ; make a stand with cradle at 
the top ; fit box into it, then turn crank. Sand will drop 
down, strike shelves, bounce off and so on. Turning crank 
slow or fast will regulate sound of water. 

Flash Signalling -To be given through back cur- 
tain, trees or wings, from off stage. Place flash light in 
rolled oats box or any round cardboard box with bulb 
fixed so that it will flash through a small hole in bottom 
of box. This concentrates flash and gives a better dis- 
tance effect. 



Manito's Moccasin 



PROLOGUE 

Time — June. 

Scene — A Hunter's camp in the forest somewhere in 
the Northern United States. Campfire, tent and duffle*, 
Curtain rising discloses a woodman, Andrew Wayne, a 
man of about 45, preparing his supper. 

Andrew — Wal, it's good to git back again into the 
woods whar there are none of them infernal squawkin' 
automobiles, and janglin' car bells. Nothin' to be heard 
'round here but the sound of the river over yonder, and 
the wind in the pines. I haven't even heard from any o' 
them leetle friends o' mine; one o' them loons a-cryin', or 
a fox a-barkin', or a owl a-hootin*. Them sounds is jest 
as good as an orchestry to a man what's bin laid up in 
the city for weeks. Guess them leetle critters don't know 
I'm around yit. (Gets up and, goes into tent and, imme-* 
diately reappears with his mackinaw. He staggers a bit.) 
I ain't quite as husky as I orter be yit, an' I need more 
clothes 'n I uster. I reckon Dr. Cabot would say "I told 
yer so," in that pleasant way o' his'n. He said I orter 
stay in the hospital another week yit, but I reckon the 
smell o' the wood smoke and the pines '11 fix me up as 
quick as the doctor could, now; meanin' no ongratitude 
for his kindness tho' — there's one o' them leetle fellers, 
now. (Cry of loon is heard.) Tomorrer I'll take it jest 
a bit easy. I'll git three, four mile up the river beyond 
Manito's Moccasin. 

(Enter Indian half-breed with dripping paddle, a 
blanket and small pouch. Trapper is bending over fire.) 

Indian — Bon jour. 

Andrew — Hello, Jim, where bound? 



Manito's Moccasin 5 

Indian — H'm — you build um fire, cook um meal, Jim 
bound here — stay here. 

Andrew — So? Wal, I don't mind your company s' 
long's yer behave yerself ; but Jim, what on earth yer do- 
in' 'round s' near the city? Yer orter kinder be shy whar 
they have real perlicemen with brass buttons. 

Indian — Me go town, get new knife, new blanket. 

Andrew — Yes, and whisky, too, Jim? 

Indian — Me got job, good pay, guide Boy Scouts two 
week in woods ; start tomorrow. 

Andrew — Jim, why don't yer do a man's work ? Yer 
never did any real work in yer life, and now yer pretend 
to have a job because yer are a-goin' to be nurse maid to 
a crowd of city boys. 

Indian — Good money. 

Andrew — (Aside) Yis, and ef I ain't mighty mis- 
took in my jedgment o' that red Indian, them boys'll git a 
chanst ter do some real scoutin' arter some o' their duf- 
fle. 

Andrew-. — (speaking half to himself and half to In- 
dian as both cook and eat.) I was guide fer one o' them 
Scouts and his father three year ago. Feller said he was 
a tenderfoot Scout. He was, all right. Them people 
make the mistake o' their lives, comin' into the woods. 
They weren't the right kind. They said they wanted to 
rough it, but, say, they'd a orter brought along one o' 
them butlers instead o' me. They had air-cushion beds, 
and a f oldin' bath tub, and foldin' chairs — regular foldin' 
Hotel Astoria. The ole man wore one o' them sportin' 
suits that's made by a Fifth Aveny tailor an' what ye 
never see outside o' a theater. The boy he wore his 
Scout suit — that warn't so bad. But that young feller 
were the crankiest leetle baby I ever sot eyes on. He 
wanted his grape fruit and steak and eggs for breakfast, 
planked steak for dinner, and lamb chops and angel cake 
for supper. He wouldn't lug any duffle, wouldn't git any 
fire wood, and wouldn't paddle except when he took a no- 
tion. Fer all that I had a kinder sneakin' likin' fer the 



6 Manito's Moccasin 

young chap an' felt a bit sorry fer him. I kinder felt he 
had a good spark in him but it had been smothered into a 
smudge by his mother's babyin' and his dad's stuck-up 
ways. Funny, their name was Woodman. The boy's 
name was Will, ef I recollect right — Will Woodman, a 
real firrin' name. Well, Jim, let's roll up. {He gets up 
and stretches and looks up at the stars.) Good day, to- 
morrer, Jim. (Goes into tent.) 

(Indian rolls up in blanket. Cry of loon is heard.) 
CURTAIN 



ACT I. 

Scene 1. 

(Near farm house at edge of forest Scouts witty 
packs march on stage. Percy Justin has an enormous 
pack.) 

Scoutmaster— Troop halt! Fellows, this is where 
we are to meet our guide. I'll go in and inquire about 
him. Break ranks! 

Woodman — Well, I'm glad we are getting into the 
woods. I was up here once with my dad, and we had a 
great time. But it's wild though. 

Finn — Huh! Wild? Can't beat this bunch much. 
You all look as though you had just broken loose from 
one of them feeble institutes. 

Sawyer — You haven't taken a good look at yourself, 
have you — 

(Scouts laugh.) 

Weal — That's right. Noticed you didn't complain 
when I gave you a lift with your pack. 

Finn — Course not. It wasn't heavy. Thought you 
wanted to carry it for ballast. Things lighter than air 
float, you know. 

Justin — He didn't offer to carry my pack. Gee, I'm 
all in. 



Manito's Moccasin 7 

(Scouts laugh and point at Percy.) 

Finn — Look who's here. The champion piano mover. 
Say, Perce, play us a tune while you're waitin'. 

Waite — I'll bet his mother packed his toothbrush in 
a flour barrel, so it would get properly ventilated. 

Bones — Aw! No! He's just bringing the city along 
for company. 

Weal — Do let us have a look inside, Perce. What 
kind of a stove did you bring? A Magic? 

Justin — Well, mother said I'd need some of the com- 
forts of home 'fore I got through. Anyway, I've got a 
better outfit than any of the rest of you. I'll bet your 
mothers didn't bother to fix things up for you this way. 

Finn — Righto, Perce, my boy. You can just believe 
us, we know more about camping than mother ever 
thought of. Guess you'll think so, too, 'fore this trip's 
over. But open up the general delivery store and show 
us what you've got. Maybe we'll get a few new ideas. 
(Steps over to Percy and pulls a package out of pack. 
Breaks it open and discloses pair of fancy bed shoes.) 

Waite — Haw, haw, haw! Good night! Did she 
think you'd get cold feet? 

Bones — Perhaps he brought some mustard to sprin- 
kle in the brook, so he can take a hot mustard bath every 
time he sneezes. 

Finn — What's all tied up in the rubber blanket? 
(Pokes at it.) 

Justin — That's my bed, and mother said to put the 
blanket 'round it so it wouldn't get damp. 

Finn — (Sign of horror.) Your bed? Say, what's 
that? 

Justin — Didn't you fellows bring one? 

In Chorus— NO I 

Justin — Well, what are you going to sleep on? 

Weal — Oh, probably on the back of a porcupine. 

Finn — I shall probably find a bird's nest and crawl 
into that. 



8 Manito's Moccasin 

Woodman — Have a heart, fellows. Percy's only a 
tenderfoot and doesn't understand much about camping 
yet. 

Chorus — Right ! 

Woodman — We ought to be helping him rather than 

Chorus — We are. 

Woodman — Percy, when we go camping we plan to 
rough it. We make our beds by filling our brouse mat- 
tress with dry leaves, grass or pine needles, or make a 
bed with fine twigs of balsam and hemlock on the ground. 
On top of this we throw our blankets and pin them to- 
gether so that our feet won't stick through. 

Justin — Mother didn't tell me that. She gave me a 
mattress. (He unrolls mattress from, pack.) 

(Scouts overcome by this blow, and some fall on mat-* 
tress.) 

Finn — Percy, what else have you in your freight 
car? Better unload here; the rates are higher, up on the 
mountain. 

Bones — Yes; for the love of Pete, unpack that thing 
now, and leave the silver and cut glass here for the na- 
tives. 

(Percy remonstrates, but Finn and Bones proceed to 
relieve him of his pack and bring it toiuard front and 
center to unpack it. Finn and Bones pull things out and 
pass them to Scouts to display. 

Waite — (holding up pillow) Blessings on the dear 
little man. He planned on sweet dreams. Just wait. 
(Gives Weal a nudge and tosses pillow at Percy.) 

(Percy shows signs of being uncomfortable.) 

Weal — (Unties a package and reveals a pie.) Oh, 
say ! And mother made this. See you later, fellows. 

(Exit Flint with Wigglesworth following. Percy\ 
very uncomfortable.) 

Waite — (Reveals cooking outfit, . enormous frying 
pan, etc.) A regular soup kitchen. Where are the 
wheels, Percy? 



Manito's Moccasin 9 

Finn — (Holds up pack bag — shoius potatoes.) Suf- 
fering cats ! Lock the doors. Send for Hoover. He has 
been hoarding up supplies. Great Scott! Are you plan- 
ning to stay here all summer, Justin? 

(Percy very, very uncom for -table. J 

Woodman — Enough, fellows! You've teased Percy 
more than was necessary. 

Finn — oh, ho! You must have a brotherly feeling 
for Justin. It wasn't so long ago you were a tenderfoot, 
yourself. 

(Scouts have the laugh on Woodman.) 

Woodman — Yes, and I learned my lesson, thanks to 
you fellows. And I guess by this time Percy knows more 
Some of you fellows give him a lift. Help him pack up 
the stuff he needs ; leave the rest at the farm house. Bet- 
ter divvy up on some of our own duffle when we reach 
camp. 

Finn — Course we'll help him. Gee, Percy, you're 
lucky you didn't get it worse after that exhibition. I've 
got enough grub for two. You can chum around with me. 
I'll give you a few lessons in do-masticated sce-ance. 

Justin — Gosh! And mother thought she was doing 
me a good turn. 

(Justin and Finn pick up things and repack some of 
them.) 

(Scoutmaster enters with farmer.) 

Scoutmaster — Boys let me introduce Mr. Ben Gunne. 
He is the owner of this farm and it is at his house that 
Tom, the Guide, was to meet us. 

Gunne — Howdy, boys. Dawn't yer look cute in them 
panterets and shin guards? Whatcha doin' with them 
'tata bags roun' yer neck? 
(Boys nod and grin.) 

Scoutmaster— -Mr. Gunne tells me that our guide 
has had to give up the trip as his mother is dangerously 
ill. He has gotten hold of an Indian half-breed who he 
says knows the wood? all right, although he doesn't know 



10 Manito's Moccasin 

much about him. I am disappointed, for Tom was a fine 
fellow and a crack-a-jack woodsman, but as long as we 
are here we might take a chance with the Indian. He 
couldn't do much harm, anyway. He isn't likely to scalp 
us. 

Bones — Say, that's great! I'm glad the other fellow 
didn't show up. I'd rather go with an Indian. It'll be 
all the more exciting. 

Gunne — Wal, I neva. I hed reckoned you fellows was 
sort of a particular bunch. But ye don't seem to be a 
might fussy. Ef Jim is feeling up to his usual capacity 
et'll be excitin' enuff — 

(Enter Indian.) 

Gunne — Samanthy peppers, ef here ain't that red 
bird now. Howdy. Jim. Jes' bin a-tellin' these fellers 
'bout ye. They say as how yer a-goin' to haul 'em up 'n 
the woods a peg. 

Jim — H'm! Sure! Me guide Boy Scouts. (Points to 
Scouts.) That um? 

Gunne — Yes, that's um. And, Jim, this 'ere's Mis- 
ter Muffin, the Scoutmistress. 

Mr. Moffat — Howdy, Indian Jim. Glad you could 
come. Boys, this is cur guide. 

(Indian grunts. Boys in unison say, "How, Jim") 

Scoutmaster — If you're ready, we will start right 
along. Want to get into camp before sun down. 

(Indian nods and starts toward right of stage.) 
Scoutmaster— Troop fall in! Well, Mr. Gunne, we 

wish to thank you for your kindness. Will see you on our 

way back. Troop forward march! 

(Sccnits, led by S. M. f march off stage at R.) 
Gunne — Good luck to ye, boys. Keep yer weather 
eye out f er elephants and ants ; the woods are full of 'em, 
(after boys are off stage.) Purty good lookin' outfit, if 
I do say so. Those Kartchy suits make 'em look real 
spry. It's well they have this 'ere Muffin along, 'cause I 
hev a sneakin' notion that that ere half-breed ain't just 



Manito's Moccasin ll 

on the square. (Dinner bell rings off stage.) Oh, land 
of notion, that's Tabitha clangin' that 'ere church bell. 
Prob'ly Molly's bruk through the fence into them peas 
again. Wished I could teach that critter some of them 
Scout laws Mr. Muffin was tellin' me about. He says a 
Scout is trustworthy and obedient. But I'll be swiggled 
if I could drive thet through that cow's brain with an 
express engine. (Walking off stage. I 
CURTAIN 



Scene 2. 
(Site of camp in Prologue. Scouts with packs come 
on stage preceded by Indian and Scoutmaster.) 

Indian — Camp here. 

Scoutmaster — (looking about) This looks like a 
good place, Jim. High ground, near the river, trees, but 
no underbrush here. All right, fellows; we will make 
our first camp here. Get your packs off. 

(Scouts relieve packs.) 

Sawyer — Somebody else thought this was a good 
place to camp not very long ago. Here's some ashes that 
haven't been rained on yet. 

Indian — Me camp here last night. Andrew Wayne, 
too. Him gone up river. 

Woodman — Who's that you say? Andrew Wayne, a 
guide? Say, that must be the same fellow that father 
hired for a trip up to Big Moon Lake three years ago 
when I went with him. I'd like to see him again. He 
was a fine specimen — knew all there was to know about 
the woods, and was a great fellow besides. You kind of 
felt that no matter what happened if he was around it 
would be all right. He didn't do but mighty little talk- 
ing, but what he did say was worth listening to, if it 
wasn't always school English. He'd measure up as big 
as most any man I ever saw. If he hadn't loved the woods 
so much he wouldn't leave them, he'd have been a sena- 
tor or something, I'll bet. 



1% Manito's Moccasin 

Indian — Hirn big man. Injun call him Ah Meek — 
Beaver. 

S. M, — I'd like to know him. I think I have heard 
something about him before. Fellows, now lets get our 
fires going right away. You, Beavers start your fire here; 
Bears, there's a good place over there by that boulder for 
yours, and you Eagles can make yours in that little open 
space. Patrol Leaders, see to getting in plenty of wood, 
and send a couple of fellows from each patrol to the river 
for water. 

Pfuffer — Come on, Bears, tote your duffle over here. 

Wigglesiuorth — Eagles, this way with your suit 
cases. 

Woodman — Some of you fellows get your kettles out 
of your kits, then two of you tenderfoot Scouts get some 
water. The rest of us'll rustle wood. 

(All start to unpack their kits, etc. S. M. has his be-* 
side tree to right.) 

Weal — This is some place, ain't it? 

Finn — You bet! Painted ceilings, artistic wall pa- 
per and velvet carpets. 

Waite — Velvet carpets! You mean marble floors. 
(Locates a few stones and throws them on the ground.) 

Bones — Are you going to bunk under cover tonight? 

Weal — Of .course; I've got a pup tent. 

Finn — Oh, you'll miss half the scenery. Just stretch 
out on your blankets and trust to luck that the stars 
won't fall on you. 

Waite — I like to watch the stars all right, but do you 
see that cloud off there? It is liable to rain before morn- 
ing, and I have been out in the rain before. Never again. 

Sawyer — That cloud doesn't mean anything but plea- 
sant weather. You're no weather prophet. A rain cloud 
runs low and generally moves fast and it is dark or else 
has a grouchy looking face. Why, that cloud is smiling, 
full of sunshine. Better sleep out. 



Manito's Moccasin 13 

Waite — No, 1 guess not. (Finally all go off stage 
but Indian, Will and S. M. Will starts off.) 

S. M.— Will. 

Woodman — (turns back and salute^) Yes, sir. 

S. M. — You have an Ingersoll with you, haven't you ? 

Woodman — Yes, sir. 

S. M. — That's good — it's the proper thing to take in 
the woods, but I didn't have time to get one I was so busy 
finishing up work before leaving, so I've got my good 
watch with me that you fellows and your fathers gave to 
me last Christmas. It's altogether too valuable a watch 
to rough it in, so as long as you have that, I'll put it in 
my pack rolled up inside something — here, an extra sock 
will do. It can't get damaged here. (Puts sock in pock- 
et of pack.) 

(Scouts appear tvith ivood.) 

S. M. — Flint, let's see what you can do with the fire 
drill. 

(Flint makes fire without matches; lights grow dim- 
mer,) 

Flint — (calls) First fire. 

Scouts — (in unison) Good work. 

Woodman — Let's get some soup going and then have 
some bacon. 

(Scouts get out blankets, pup tents, cook, etc.) 

Finn — Say, I'm so hungry I could almost eat the 
bristles off a brush. 

Bones — You always did look rather hungry. What's 
on your menu? 

Finn — Steak, baked potatoes and hoe cake. There's 
nothing like a real good tramp to give me an appetite. 

Bones — Feel pretty good myself. I'm going to heat 
up some soup and bake a little twist. 

Waite — Soup? After that hike? Ain't you feeling 
well? 



1U Manito's Moccasin 

Bones — Sure; but what's the use of stuff in' yourself 
after such a strenuous day as this. It isn't good for you. 
Soup is just as nourishing as steak, especially at night. 
You'll be dreaming you're a millionaire andl keep us 
awake with your groaning. 

Waite — Groaning? While dreaming I was rich? If 
I dreamt I was a millionaire I'd wake you all up and treat 
you to an ice cream soda. 

Finn—Stop that noise. 

(Scouts gather about fire, others from patrols stroll 
on stage.) 

S. M. — Tomorrow, on our way up the river a mile or 
two above here, we'll see a curious place that the Indian^ 
call Manito's Moccasin. A stream comes down from the 
hills and empties into this river but just above the junc- 
tion the stream plunges off a cliff about thiry feet high 
into a basin which is shaped like the print of a gigantic 
moccasin. The sides are almost as smooth as worn leath- 
er and almost vertical. The water whirls around in 
there clear as a crystal, then rushes out through a deep 
notch at the further side of the basin at what would be 
the toe of the moccasin and on into the river. There is 
an interesting Indian legend about the place. 

Indian — No good place — bad luck go there. 

S. M. — Well, Jim, I guess we'll take a chance. These 
Scouts'll want to see the place in broad daylight. What 
do you say. fellows, want to hear the yarn ? 

Scouts — (in chorus) Sure thing. 

S. M.— Well, bunch up. 

(The Legend) 

The Great Spirit, Manito, once came, in the dead of 
night, to watch over a tribe of Algonquins, who were pre- 
paring themselves against an attack from a neighboring 
tribe. The great Manito guided them in their council, and 
finding that they were carrying out his plans, withdrew, 
but before going, and in order to let them know of his 



Manito's Moccasin x$ 

presence he made a very deep footprint with his mocca- 
sined foot. It was at the bottom of a very steep cliff near 
the camp The next morning the Indians discovered the 
mark, and being aware of Manito's presence, took cour- 
age and not only withstood the attack but won a rreat 
victory The tribe made the spot sacred and as the years 
rolled by a mountain stream was turned in its course and 
ran over the edge of the cliff. It wore away the foot- 
print but as it did, it created a new and gigantic one 
moulded out of the solid rock beneath, until finally a deep 
and treacherous pool had been formed. 

Tradition tells us that loons from Moon Lake used to 
fly at evening back and forth to the pool and that one 
night at dusk, a young Indian brave, who had that day 
committed a crime, stood at the top of the cliff looking 
down into the pool, when, a loon flying overhead cried out 
At the same time the great Spirit seemed to appear be- 
fore the Indian to accuse him of his treachery. Startled 
he stepped too near the edge, slipped and toppled head- 
long into the pool. He cried out for help and tried fran- 
tically to chnib up the steep and slippery sides, but in 
yam There was no response except the mocking cry of 
the loon and with one final effort he reached for a broken 
Piece of ledge, missed and slipped beneath the darkened 
surface. 

u m S. M .— Well, let's have a song to keep away bad med- 

( Scouts sing.) 

S. M. — Is it time for tatoo, Will? 

Woodman — About 9:05. 

S. M.— Let her go, Pfuffer. 

(Pfuffer bloivs tatoo.) 

p„f f* f T^S™ in ' felIows - Taps in fifteen minutes. 
•But hrst, for the benefit of you younger fellows, I'll show 
you how to roll up in a blanket. (Demonstrates.) Lie 
down on your back. Pull your blanket up over vou to 
your chin, then raise your legs from the hips this way, 
then throw first one side of your blanket and then the oth- 



16 Manito's Moccasin 

er about your legs. Now, roll over on one side and get 
.the blanket well under you ; then on the other and you're 
as snug as the proverbial bug. Now, do it yourselves. 

(Scouts except Beaver Patrol leave stage and Beav- 
ers prepare to sleep.) 

(Scouts get off local hits. Scoutmaster blows whis- 
tle, and taps sounds off stage. Curtain drops and is at 
once raised to show lapse of four hours. Cry of loon is 
heard. Indian rises and puts on his pack; creeps to the 1 
Scoutmaster's pack; takes out watch and goes off stage.) 
(Cry of loon.) 

CURTAIN 



ACT II. 

Scene 1. 
(Scout camp. Early morning. Scouts asleep. The) 
sun is rising ("brighter lights at intervals,). Birds are 
heard singing ("orchestra effects,). Scoutmaster stirs and 
finally gets up. Walks center, stretches and then looks 
around camp. Goes to spot where Indian bunked, finds>, 
him gone, and appears surprised.) 

S. M. — That's queer. Wonder what that red bird is 
up so early for. Probably gone off for a morning appe- 
tizer. He can't keep quiet long. (Goes over to Scout 
Pfuffer and rouses him.) Come, Stout! Time for First 
Call. 

Pfuffer — (Sits up startled; rubs eyes.) H'm'm? 
What'd you say? Have I got to get up? Say, I was hav- 
ing a great dream. Dreamed I was sleeping on a feather 
bed so high I had to climb a ladder to get into it. 

(Scoutmaster pulls rock out from under Stout's bed, 
holds it up.) 

S. M. — So it was a real feather bed, was it? 

Pfuffer — Don't they say that dreams go eontradi- 
tionary? 

S. M. — Looks like it. But come on. Sound the call. 



Manito's Moccasin 17 

(Pfuffer steps to center and sounds first call. Scouts 
stir, and one by one get up yawning. Appearance of each 
to be as comical as possible.) 

Weal — Isn't this one peach of a morning? 

Bones — Did you see the sun rise, Huck? 

Waite — Which one? 

Finn — Say, Percy, anyone pull the slats out of your 
bed last night? 

Justin — (laughing) No, they did that yesterday aft- 
ernoon. I slept fine. Didn't know a self-made bed could 
be so comfortable. 

Woodman — (addressing S. M.) Where's Indian Jim? 
Said he would teach me how to thatch a roof for a lean-to 
this morning. 

£. M. — Oh, he'll be back shortly. Bugler, sound rev- 
eille. 

(Pfuffer sounds call.) 

S. M. — Fall in for setting-up exercises. 

(Scouts fall in line.) 

Woodman — Right dress! Front! §alute! (Steps 
three paces toward S. M.) Sir, the troop is formed. 

S. M. — Take your station! Attention! 

(Squads count off. Take intervals and go through 
setting-up drill.) 

S. M. — At 7:30 be ready for inspection. The pro- 
gram for the day will be given out at that time. Break 
ranks and prepare mess. 

(Scouts go through various maneuvers preparatory] 
to getting breakfast.) 

Bones — Whatcha eatin' for breakfast, Huck? 

Finn — Grape fruit on the half shell, oatmeal and 
whip cream, sirloin steak and baked potatoes, hot rolls 
and — 

(Scouts show signs of throwing frying pans and ket- 
tles at Finn, who exits hurriedly.) 

Justin — (to Scoutmaster) Is it time to eat, yet? 



18 Manito's Moccasin 

S. M. — ( Pulls out Ingersolh Well, what do you 
know? This honest-to-goodness town clock has stopped. 
Just open my duffle bag and see what my real watch 
says. 

Justin — All right, sir. (Goes zo S. M.'s pack, fum>- 
bles through duffle.) I don't find it, sir. 

S. M. — It's tucked in the pocket, rolled up in a gray 
sock, next to the first aid box. 

Justin — (Pulls pack forward and searches through 
it excitedly.) I can't seem to locate it. 

S. M. — (Going toward Justin) Why, it is there 
somewhere. It couldn't be lost. I haven't moved the bag 
since I put it there. (Looks around inside bag.) That is 
mighty funny. It certainly has disappeared. 

Sawyer — (entering with Flint) Say, fellows! I be- 
lieve the Indian's left us. We tried to find his trail and 
follow him through the woods, but we couldn't find a sign 
anywhere, and his blankets and pack aren't here. 

Flint — Yes. Tried some of those trail following 
stunts he told us about yesterday. Fat chance. He must 
have gone out backwards and climbed into an airplane. 

Woodman— -I'll bet he's got the watch. Come on, fel- 
lows. We've got to find the trail. We'll start at the riv- 
er. 

(Scouts exeunt hurriedly; S. M. left on stage.) 

S. M. — Woodman! — Fellows! Never mind! Hey, 
Wait until — (Rushes off stage shouting after them. 
Scoutmaste/r returns to stage, Woodman following. Other 
Scouts come back, show signs of protest) 

S. M. — It would only be a waste of time, fellows, and 
besides, it would most likely spoil our trip. 

Woodman — But he stole your watch, Mr. Moffat. 

S. M. — Yes, and he is probably tenrlong miles from 
here by this time. 

Sawyer — We ought to do something. 

S. M. — Perhaps we can do something later, but for 
the present let's decide what we shall do^ We are now 



Manito's Moccasin 19 

without a guide andi will not be able t» make the trip we 
had planned. 

Bones — Can't we go up to Moon Lake? 

S. M. — I think not. I am not familiar with this part 
of the country and wouldn't know the best trail and 
might lead you into further difficulty. This is a fine 
camping spot, and an interesting section. If you are will- 
ing, I think it best to spend our time here. 

Woodman — All right, if you say so, Scoutmaster, 
but I don't feel just pleased about that watch. 

Saivyer — Neither do I. We ought to report it to 
someone. Then they could catch him before he had a 
chance to sell it or trade it. 

S. M. — I think it will turn up some day. The watch 
is very easy to identify and I had rather lose it, as much 
as I prize it, than interfere with your trip. Now, what 
do you say to our camping here and making day hikes to 
points of interest in the vicinity? 

Bones — We are willing, if you say so. 

Waite — Yes, that would suit us all right. 

£. M. — Then, that's settled. Now get enough grub 
together for dinner, and we'll tramp up river to Manito's 
Moccasin. We'll try and shake off the effects of last 
night's affair. A change of scene will give us something 
different to think about. 

Woodman — A cheer for Mr. Moffat. He is a genuine 
sport and jolly good fellow. Come on, fellows! The 
America yell for our Scoutmaster. 

(America yell.) 

CURTAIN 



Scene 2. 

(Scout camp — evening, after supper.) 

Waite — Well, this has been a great old day. 

Wealr— Yes, if it hadn't been for that red devil run- 
ning off with Mr. Moffat's watch, we'd a thought we were 
in the seventh heaven. 



20 Manito's Moccasin 

Bones — Mr. Moffat is a good sport though; he has- 
n't said a word about it since the first. 

Justin — We'll have a better time staying here for a 
week than if we made the trip we planned, I think. 

Finn — Yes, I should think you would. You wouldn't 
have lasted long with that pack of yours. 

Justin — It's not as big as it was, though. 

Finn — No, you'll do better next time. Going light is 
a thing you've got to learn by experience. It takes more 
time and brains to pack a little pack sack for a trip like 
this, than three or four trunks for a winter at Palm 
Beach. You've got to think of everything you absolutely 
need and leave out every little thing that adds unneces- 
sary ounces. 

A Tenderfoot — What's the use of bothering with a 
tooth brush, and soap, and hair brush? Cut out the un- 
necessary luxuries. Brush your hair with a stick and let 
the rest go. 

Sawyer — (rather sharply.) I guess by the looks, you 
more than half mean that. Mr. Moffat says a gentleman 
is a gentleman in the woods or out of it. These fellows 
that try to show how much of a backwoodsman they are 
by going around looking like the underside of a fry pan 
only show how green they are. A real woodsman keeps 
tidy. 

Waite — Where do yon suppose Will and Jim Wig- 
glesworth are? They went back to Manito's Moccasin to 
get Jim's sweater he left. They ought to be back pretty 
soon now, it's beginning to get dark. 

Weal — This is a wild country, all right ; great place 
in the day time, but when it gets along toward night, me 
for a cozy little seat alongside a campfire. 

Bones — The thought of that wild spot up there by 
that old Basin kinder gives me the shivers. 

Weal — I'm glad I'm not Will and Jim.. 

Finn — Did you hear all the things moving around in 
the woods, last night? I thought there must be three or 
four elephants and a half a dozen grizzlies. Inside a tent 
after taps ; no starry canopy for mine here. 



Manito's Moccasin 21 

(Cry of a loon in distance. Some Scouts show dis- 
tinct signs of alarm, while even the older ones feel a little 
creepy.) 

Tenderfoot— It ain't safe around here without a 
gun. That must o' been a wild cat. 

Tenderfoot — You don't suppose that Indian has got 
some of his kind to come and attack us. 

Sawyer — It isn't so bad as that. That is a loon cry 
and I'll admit even when you know what it is, it kinder 
gives you the creeps. 

(Far-off cry is heard. Scouts jump to their feet.) 

Waite— What's that? Listen! 

(Cry is heard again.) 

Bones — Look! A flash signal. (Calls.) Signal! 
Hey, Sawyer, come read this signal. 

(Scouts rush in.) 

Sawyer — Dot, dot, dot, dot, — H, Dot, — E. Dot, 
dash, dot, dot — L. Dash, dash, dot,— P. 

Finn — That's Will and Jim, and they're in trouble. 

Sawyer — Wait a minute, he hasn't stopped. Dot, 
dash, dash, — (Spells out "Will in Basi?i. Bring rope and 
first aid." Scouts rush about excitedly,) 

Sawyefr — You fellows calm down and get your ropes 
and kit. We've got to work fast. 

(S. M. enters hurriedly.) 

S. M.— What's up, fellows? 

Sawyer — Jim Wigglesworth has signalled by flash 
light from somewhere up the river that Will is in the 
Moccasin pool, and to bring ropes and first aid kit. 

S. M. — That's bad. Splint, you and Waite get your 
staves, we may need a stretcher. Bones and Finn, get 
some blankets. Now, fellows, keep cool and follow me at 
Scouts' pace; it's some distance over there and we can 
make better time that way. 

(Scouts go off stage.) 

CURTAIN 



22 Manila's Moccasin 

Scene 3. 
(Scene — Top of ledge above Manito's Moccasin. No 
one on stage as curtain rises. Roar of falls heard.) 

Wigglesworth — (Rushes across stage) Oh, Will, are 
you all right? I've signalled to the troop and they're com- 
ing with ropes. 

Will — (voice muffled.) Have them hurry, the water's 
cold — this fellow is badly hurt — he's helpless. 

Wigglesworth — Can you hold on? 

Woodman — A while longer. 

S. M. — (calling in distance) Where are you? 

Wigglesworth — Here, beside the Moccasin, near the 
Fall. 

(S. M., followed by troop rush on from left,) 

S. M.— What's the matter? Will fallen in? 

Wigglesworth — No, he dived in from the top after a 
man who fell in. He can't get out because the rocks are 
worn too smooth. He has a foot hold and is holding the 
man a little out of the water — he can't hold out much 
longer. 

(S. 'M. and troop look over edge of cliff at right.) 

S. M. — Hold on, Will ; we'll have you soon. 

Woodrnan — (faintly) I'll hold on, sir. 

5. M. — Fellows, make two long ropes by tying four 
scout ropes together for each. Use the Weaver's knot. 
You, first aid fellows, get your kits ready — better make 
a stretcher, too. Now, Waite, you take the end of this 
rope and tie a bowline around yourself under the arms. 
Half of you fellows get onto each of these ropes ready to 
pull. Now, Feather, you take the end of this other rope 
with you, and tie it about the man when we lower you 
over. When we get him up we'll drop the end over again 
for Will. All ready, fellows. Lower him down easy. 
Now, hold! 

Waite — I've got the rope on him — pull him up. 



Manito's Moccasin 23 

S. M. — Walk away with it, fellows — easy now, give 
us a hand. Bring your stretcher. Put him down here. 
Now, Splint and Finn, you take care of him; we'll help 
you as soon as Will's up. 

(Splint and Finn get to work bandaging his head 
and applying splints to arm.) 

Waite — (below) Will's slipped off the rock and gone 
under ! Let go the rope, so I can go after him. 

S. M. — Now, steady, fellows. Tie two more scout 
ropes onto this so he can go in and get him out, but we'll 
still have hold of him. Go on, Feather, we've got you. 
(Looks over.) He's got him. (Pulls in a little on rope. )■ 
Give me the other rope end. Here, Feather, get this 
around Will. 

Waite — Pull him up. 

S. M.— Pull, fellows. Easy, now. 

Scouts — Is he drowned? 

S. M. — No, but he's in bad shape. You, Sawyer, and 
Weal, use the Schaffer method on him. Now, you fel- 
lows, haul up Feather. All right. Start a fire and get 
Feather dry and warm the blankets. 

Weal — Hurry up, Tom, every minute counts. Watch 
his head and see that his mouth is not obstructed. 

Sawyer— You count, and I'll force his lungs. 

(Weal counts off while Sawyer demonstrates Schaf- 
fer method.) 

Bones — He started to breathe then. Keep it up, not 
too fast. 

S. M. — (approaching) How is he? 

Sawyer — He is coming. Have the fellows get the 
blankets ready. 

S. M. — Yes, and we have two stretchers. This 
other fellow is in a bad way. I'm afraid he has a broken 
arm, besides several cuts and bruises. We'll get them both 
back to camp as soon as possible. Better start rubbing 
Will's legs and body. He is breathing fairly well, now, 
and we must start the circulation. (Will moves a little 
and shows signs of life.) 



2U Manito's Moccasin 

Weal — See, he's coming to, now. Get those blankets 
ready. 

S. M. — Get them on the stretchers now. We'll get 
back to camp as soon as possible. 

(Stretchers brought and patients placed on them.) 

Pfuffer — You hustle your patrol ahead, get a good 
hot fire going and a good supply of water boiling and 
heat some stones. 

S. M. — Easy, now. Go ahead, fellows. 

Andrew — (rising on one elbow) Where be I. Last 
I recollect I got sick and dizzy and I had a fall. 

S. M. — You're in good hands. You had a fall, all 
right. 

CURTAIN 



EPILOGUE 



(Camp — Same site as camp in Prologue — two 
months later. Will Woodman and Andrew Wayne work- 
ing over duffle and fire, preparatory to getting supper.) 

Woodman — If there is anything in a good start, our 
trip should be a successful one. This has been a corking 
day — a sort of sample of the fall days coming. 

Andrew — Ef we kin find that Injun, I believe I kin 
pry out o' him what he done with that 'ere time-piece, 
then we orter be on a easy trail, fer it's sech an unusual 
one with thet inscription and all. It may jest be thet he 
can't get no one what'll buy it off' n him fer thet reason. 

Woodman — Well, I guess I'll take a kettle and get 
some water at the river. (Exit.) 

Andrew — Thar's some change in thet boy since I 
first set eyes on him three years ago. He would o' got 
lost then jest goin' to the river and he wouldn't o' gone 
anyhow ef it had bin on account of doin' a bit o' work. 
Now, he's always scratchin' 'round to see ef he can't find 
more to do. 



Manito's Moccasin 25 

(Indian Jim enters and stands motionless. Andrew 
glances up.) 

Andrew— Well, I'll be ding busted. £e you a spook 
or a sure-'nough Jim Indian? 

(Indian grunts.) 

Andrew — What yer up to now? Lookin' for more 
Boy Scouts so you can pick up some more jewlry? Ware's 
that wrist watch o' yourn ? 

Jim — What you know about watch? 

Andrew — I know all about your little slight o' hand 
tricks. 

Jim — Me give you watch — you give back Boy Scout. 
Him camp with you. Watch no good fer Jim. She bad 
luck. 

Andrew — Yer don't mean ter say yer conshens is a- 
prickin' yer? Yer ain't got none. 

Jim — Watch bad luck. 

Andrew — I'm beginnin' ter make out some o' yer 
mental tracks. This is pretty close ter Manito's Mocca- 
sin and you've been a-hearin' o' thet loon. Eh, Jim? 
Manito's on your trail. I know thet yarn. 

Jim— You give watch to Boy Scout. Jim go. (Exit) 

Andrew — Wal, I begin ter feel like my head got 
busted as well's the rest o' me. Things has worked out 
so peculiar like. Jest two months ago I wuz campin' 
with thet Jim Indian on this self same spot. I come 
from the hospital then jest the same as I have now. It's 
as ef the hands o' the clock o' time had bin turned back — 
no it ain't like thet either, fer I've learned a heap o' 
things these two months thet wuz worth gettin' busted up 
again to larn. I recollect well when I wuz here last, how? 
I joshed thet Jim Indian 'bout bein' a nurse maid to Boy 
Scouts; I recollect how I made oncomplimenary remarks 
about Will Woodman. Well, I'll never do either o' them 
things again. Ef it weren't fer Will I wouldn't o' ben 
here or anywhere else on this earth and ef it weren't fer 
thet herd o' boys and their Scoutmaster, neither on us 



26 Manito's Moccasin 

would o' ben. I didn't know much about what wuz goin' 
on at the time, but I hev larnt since how they used their 
trainin' thet night, so effective, their signaling their 
knot tyin' and their scouts' pace and first aid and all o' 
them things besides showin' great workin' together spir- 
it. Best o' all though, in this Scout business is what it 
makes o' the fellers themselves. Jest the way it made a 
real man o' Will — and then the way them boys did look 
after me in the hospital and wuz always doin' their good 
turns and they showed thet they knew how to turn ordi- 
nary bad luck into a joke and take downright calamity 
like gentlemen. A Boy Scout is a — here comes thet boy. 
He'll think today was a lucky start fer sure. 

(Enter Woodman. Andrew holds up watch.) 

Woodman — (showing surprise) Why where did you 
get that? That's Mr. Moffat's watch. 

Andrew — Indian Jim dropt in while you wuz down 
to the river. Didn't stay long. Jest 'bout long enuff to 
unload this 'ere time-piece, then he lit out. Do you know, 
Will, I kinder think suthin' is a-troublin' him right pert. 

Woodman — Surely something is the matter to have 
him bring the watch back. 

Andrew — Yes, I guess it's jest about as I surmised. 

Woodman — And, how's that? 

Andreiv — I reckon that Manito's on his trail. 

Woodman — And I reckon you're right. 



CURTAIN 



Plays for Amateurs 

By SEYMOUR S. TIBBALS 



1 



Mr. Tibbals has won a wide reputation as 
the writer of plays for amateurs that have 
dramatic action, bright dialog and clean 
and wholesome plots. Among the most 
successful of these are 

Somewhere In France; 4 m. 3 f 35c 

Sergeant Jim of the 

U.S. Marines; 7 m. 12 f. ........ 35c 

The Little Politician; 7 m. 3 f...... 35c 

Getting Even With Reggie; 5 m, 8 f . 35c 

At The Village Postoffice; &£*« ....35c 

The Man Haters; 11 f . 4 m 35c 

Vinegar's Vaudeville Agency; &£ ber 35c 

The Millionaire Janitor; play for boys 35c 

In Dixie Land; male characters 35c 

Up Caesar's Creek; boys' play 35c 

Christmas Plays 

Christmas at Finnegan's Flat 25c 

Christmas at Golden Gulch 25c 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKLIN, OHIO, also 944 S. Logan, DENVER, COLO. 



=v 



Here Are Some Popular 
Eldridge Action Songs 

=rPRICE 35 CENTS EACH^= 

Big Ohief Not-Af raid-of-His-Lessons. 

The "Champion" Baseball Nine. 

Four Little Maids at Tea. 

Hard Times in Boyland. 

I Can Hardly Wait Until I Grow to 

be a Man. 
It's Bo Nice to be Acquainted. 
If I Were the Ruler of Fairyland. 
Little Sleep-head Dolly. 
When My Dolly Grows to be a Lady. 
Little Housewives Club. 
The Little Soldier and the Red Cross 



The Little Tradesladies. 

Miss Cherry-blossom's Party. 

Upsetting Gravity. 

When Silver Moon Meets Spotted 

Horse. 
Youthful Politicians. 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKLIN, OHIO, also 944 S. Logan, DENVER, COLO. 



Four Clever New Entertainments 



SURE POP AND THE SAFETY 
FIRST SCOUTS 

is going to be a splendid help in all 
■ 'Safety First" Campaigns and can be 
given by children in the school-room 
or elsewhere. Price 25 cents. 

FOWL DEEDS 

A roaring black-face comedy, suitable 
for minstrels or short play on any 
program. Price 35 cents. 

COMMUNITY PLAYS FOR 

VARIOUS DAYS 

is a great help in developing the 
many phases of community life and 
spirit. A mighty helpful book for all 
civic work. Price 50 cents. 

SPECIAL PLAYS FOR 
SPECIAL DAYS 

This is another splendid book for 
every teacher. These short plays are 
enjoyable, either for school-room use 
or for exhibition purposes. A play 
for every special day. Price 50 cents. 



I 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKLIN, OHIO, also 944 S. Logan, DENVER, COLO. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRE! 










Scene from the Comic Opera, "The Captain of Plymouth" 



THE CAPTAIN OF PLYMOUTH 

This is a splendid number for any time, and especially good 
for High School, Choral Societies, etc. Price complete $1.25. 
Right of presentation given with purchase of 1 5 copies. Rental 
of orchestration $7.00. 



THE HERMIT OF HAWAII 

is just the thing for your school society or High School chorus. 
It is written by the popular composer, Arthur Penn, and is 
especially tuneful and clever. Price $1.25. Right of presen- 
tation given with purchase of 1 5 copies. Rental of orches- 
tration $7.00. 



OPERETTAS FOR CHILDREN 

Midsummer Eve - - - - - 60 cents 

In Little Folks Town - - - - - 60 cents 

Under The Sugar Plum Tree - - - 60 cents 

Arcticania - - - - - - - $1.00 



SEND 15 CENTS POSTAGE FOR APPROVAL COPIES. 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE, 



FRANKLIN, OHIO 



DENVER, COLORADO 

944 South Logan Street. 



9&E 



^? 



